Good Question: Are there any COVID restrictions for dropping off old medications?

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) —The numbers are staggering. A federal survey found an estimated 10 million Americans misused opioids in 2019.
The CDC reports on any given day 130 will die from an overdose.

A majority of people who face problems with prescription drugs get them from family and friends. Those often come right from the home medicine cabinet. A key to preventing that is getting rid of your old medicine.

National Drug Take-Back Day is the main campaign you’ve probably heard about. It’s coming up in April. You can also drop off old meds year-round.

Barbara asked News10NBC’s Brennan Somers: How do you get rid of old prescription medicine? CVS said the sheriff’s substation in Spencerport, but the building was locked and a sign said no one would be admitted. Gates Police Dept., same thing.

For starters, pharmacies–including local CVS spots– are still taking drop-offs. You can find your closest branch online. Law enforcement will also help you out.

Somers checked in with Monroe County deputies.

They usually have no questions asked drop off areas where you can just show up. Due to COVID, they’ve closed those zones to the public. If you do have old medicine you want to do away with you can call to schedule a drop-off– or you can get a deputy to swing by your house.

As for Gates PD, the chief told Somers they haven’t made any changes. The dropbox is open in the front foyer.

For scheduling a drop off time with MCSO, use the following info:

• A Zone (Penfield, Perinton, Pittsford)- 955 Panorama Trail South, Pittsford- (585) 753-4370
• B Zone (Henrietta, Mendon, Rush, Wheatland)-393 Calkins Road, Henrietta- (585) 753-4400
• C Zone (Chili, Riga, Sweden, Clarkson, Hamlin, Parma)-2330 Union St, Spencerport- (585) 753-4470

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